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Buck Spurr helps produce Nov. 5 Rat Pack show in Lynn

Buck Spurr is a legend in the entertainment business, having managed numerous stars and worked in film distribution at Paramount Pictures.

Spurr is focusing his professional efforts on Lynn as the assistant to the producer (Dick Feeney) of the upcoming Las Vegas production of “The Rat Pack,” which will be staged on Friday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. at Lynn Memorial Auditorium.

Rat Pack stars Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop, in the form of celebrity impersonators, will be performing songs and comedy at the Lynn auditorium.

Spurr is working in coordination with Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, presenter of the production, and Community Development Director James Marsh, chief liaison to the producer of the show.

“It’s been great working on a team with the mayor, James Marsh, and Claire Cavanagh for the show,” said Spurr.

There is a possibility that Flanagan Kennedy may join the Rat Pack on stage for a musical number.

Spurr, 77, has known Dick Feeney, a trumpet player, since his days as the arranger for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a big band that Spurr managed.

Spurr said he has watched the Rat Pack and their 13-piece orchestra perform several times, including shows at the Stoneham Theater. The show, which originates at the Plaza Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, is celebrating its twelfth anniversary this year.

“They perform all of their well-know hits,” said Spurr. “For example Sinatra sings New York, New York, and My Way; Dino sings Everybody Loves Somebody Some Time and That’s Amore; Sammy does Mr. Bojangles; and Joey Bishop does the comedy and warms up the crowd with the orchestra.”

Spurr said Lynn residents will thoroughly enjoy the show. “Any Lynn people who used to go to the Frolic night club in Revere will love this show,” said Spurr.

Spurr began his career as a top sales representative for Paramount Pictures in the days of Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Bob Hope. He became vice president of Lordly and Dane, a theatrical agency, where he booked major stars such as Johnny Carson and Simon and Garfunkel for shows on college campuses.

Spurr also had a key role in the launching of the Comedy Connection on Warrenton Street in Boston.

Spurr has had a very interesting life. A graduate of Tufts University, he is a member of Society of American Magicians that was founded by Houdini.

He has been associated with great entertainment throughout his life, including in his personal life. Spurr is married to Carol Sloane, an internationally known jazz singer who has 43 records to her credit. They currently reside in Stoneham.

On Nov. 5, Spurr will be in his familiar behind-the-scenes role for the Rat Pack show.

“The Lynn Auditorium is a great venue and I’m grateful to the mayor for bringing this wonderful show to Lynn for the enjoyment of people in the city,” said Spurr.

Tickets for the Nov. 5 show are available at the Lynn City Hall box office.